ITV's This Morning returned to our screens today for the first time since former host Phillip Schofield announced his immediate departure from the show.
In a statement, released on Saturday (May 20), the presenter announced that after 20 years he had quit the show and confirmed he had presented his final episode on Thursday, May 18. The announcement comes following rumours of a feud between the co-hosts, but Phillip will continue to present peak time shows for ITV including next month’s The British Soap Awards and a new prime time series.
Alison and Dermot have become fan favourites among viewers after joining the show in 2021, following the departure of Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford. But for years, viewers have been used to seeing Phillip and Holly on the This Morning sofa together, as well as co-presenting on other shows.
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Since the noughties, we've also seen some hilarious moments from the pair. Phillip and Holly have also shared pictures on social media together from time to time outside of work, or while on joint holidays with their families.
As we await to find out who will go on to present This Morning in the place of Phillip Schofield, we take a brief look back at Phillip and Holly's work relationship and friendship through the years, on and off our screens. This list is not intended to be comprehensive.
Dancing On Ice - 2006
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield began their working relationship in 2006 when they began presenting ITV competition Dancing On Ice. Prior to that, Holly had worked on CBBC and ITV, whilst Phil also began in children's TV and was a star of the stage before presenting This Morning from 2002.
In 2011, Holly left the show and Phil continued to co-host alongside Christine Lampard. But when Dancing On Ice returned to our screen in 2018, we saw the original pair reprise their presenting roles.
This Morning - 2009
First launching in 1988, This Morning was originally hosted by husband and wife Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. From 2002, Phillip hosted the show with Fern Britton, taking over from John Leslie.
From 2008 to 2009, Holly presented the spin-off show The Xtra Factor, taking over the reigns from Fearne Cotton,. But in 2009, she replaced Fern Britton on the famous This Morning sofa and from there the hosts have had countless hilarious moments on our screens.
Hilarious viral NTA win moment - 2016
Over the years, Phil and Holly have regularly made headlines for their laughs and and antics while hosting This Morning. But one of their most standout moments came in 2016 when the pair felt a little bit worse for wear after the National Television Awards.
Introducing the show Holly, who was still in her outfit from the night before, confessed she hadn't even been home yet. The pair explained that they had gone back for an after-after party at Ant McPartlin's house to celebrate after picking up the award for Best Daytime Television show, "as is tradition", and ended up playing the game Pie Face - and the clip went viral.
Joint holidays - 2019
Outside of work, we've seen Phil and Holly's friendship continue as they regularly post photos and videos of each other and their respective families on social media. Back in 2019, the pair reunited in Portugal to enjoy fresh seafood and tasty desserts.
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Holly supports Phil on the sofa - 2020
Back in February 2020, viewers saw Holly interview Phil about his decision to come out. Phil came out as gay ahead of an episode of This Morning
At the time, Phillip said: "This was the big day and the day I knew everything was pointed towards to. I couldn't have done this without it being you Holly."
'Queue jump row' - 2022
In 2022, the broadcasters faced backlash over claims they skipped the queue to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II's coffin. At the time, the "Queuegate" row dominated the headlines.
Holly issued a statement during a This Morning episode to insist they were there in a "professional capacity" and did not take anyone's place in the queue. The mum-of-three said: "As broadcasters and journalists, we were given official permission to access the hall. It was strictly for the purpose of reporting on the event for millions of people in the UK who haven't been able to visit Westminster in person. The rules were that we would be quickly escorted around the edges to the platform at the back.
"Those paying respects moved along a carpeted area alongside the coffin and were given time to pause. None of the broadcasters and journalists there took anyone's place in the queue and no one filed past the queen. We of course respected those rules however we realise it may have looked like something else and completely understand the reaction."
Phil leaves This Morning - 2023
In a statement, released on Saturday (May 20), Phillip Schofield announced that after 20 years he had quit This Morning and confirmed he had presented his final episode on Thursday, May 18. In a statement he said: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
“Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
“So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.”
Since his statement, it is understood Holly Willoughby will also be taking an early break from the show and will not be returning until June 5. There is a lot of speculation over who will replace Phillip and who will now stand in for the presenters this week.
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